The Department of Science and Technology's Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) has developed eco-friendly shoe insoles using natural textile fiber-based nonwovens and knitted and woven fabrics as part of the 'Diversification of Philippine Textiles through Nonwoven Innovations R&D Programme' or the Nonwoven Innovations Programme.

Pineapple leaf fiber needle punched nonwoven prototypes have previously been produced, with two or more layers: the upper liner, the lignocellulosic-based nonwoven textile, and the optional backing support. The cushioning component of the shoe insole is the middle nonwoven layer, which provides comfort and protection to the wearer's feet.

According to DOST, the Intellectual Property (IP) for the shoe insole has already been filed and describes the desired embodiment made entirely of natural textile fibers, from the linings to the nonwoven.

Because of this innovative technology, Creative Definitions formed a relationship to incorporate the produced nonwovens in the insoles of their own line of footwear, furthering the goal of bridging the research-industry gap.

DOST-PTRI is currently enhancing the technology with extra characteristics such as smell control and antibacterial finishing to provide more value to the product utilizing SmarTex technologies. Even though it is still in its early phases, it is already proving to be a viable competitor in the footwear market.

Meanwhile, according to the release, DOST-Nonwoven PTRI's Innovations Program aims to use local natural textile fibers from various sources such as pineapple leaf, abaca, bamboo, and banana in the production of nonwoven textiles for various industrial applications such as automotive, filtration, and alternative leather.